University of San Diego Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

University of San Diego is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of University of San Diego (USD) is 52.61%. This means that 53 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.

How Competitive are University of San Diego Admissions?

  • Competitive: Applicants need good academics and extracurriculars.
  • GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
  • A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
University of San Diego Admission Competitiveness

To secure admission, you must convince the admission staff that you are both mentally and physically fit for the course of study. More importantly, your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. Additionally, if you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as the USD is not very strict in its admission process, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.

As the acceptance rate is above 50%, you still have a chance if your GPA is not excellent. You can make up for a lower GPA by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.

Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.

University of San Diego Admission Requirements

USD GPA Requirement

The average GPA of the admitted students at USD is 3.95. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.

To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.

If your GPA is between 3.65 and 3.95, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate. You need a minimum of 3.55 GPA to have a realistic chance of admission.

Can I Get Into USD Without SAT Or ACT?: University of San Diego does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.



University of San Diego (USD) SAT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.



USD Profile

Name: University of San Diego (USD)

City: San Diego

URL: www.sandiego.edu/

State: California

Type: Non-Profit Private

Zip: 92110-2492

Campus: Main

Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)


How much does a degree from USD Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at University of San Diego is USD: 72092. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of San Diego is much less than this.

How can I get a scholarship?

17.99% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 32.85 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to USD and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At University of San Diego, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist USD as your choice in the form.

How much a USD Graduate make?

The average annual salary of the USD graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 86522. An average USD graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).

The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595




Degree Programs


Bachelor Degree Programs


Full list of All degree programs offered by University of San Diego.

Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.

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